Page 77 of Are You Going to Love Me

“Indeed, we will.”

twenty-seven

. . .

“I’m not eating that, E,”Maximus protested as Eden grabbed an oyster and decorated it with caviar and horseradish.

“You ordered this and the Clicquot,” Eden pointed out. “And it’s really good.”

“I ordered it because in my study of your social media,” Maximus started.

“Study? That’s what we’re calling it?”

“Got to study your prey,” he retorted, choosing the Oyster Rockefeller over Eden’s choice. “What I didn’t know is that you like your shit raw, nor did I know this shit was raw.”

“I only like it raw if it’s safe,” Eden shared, before slurping Bluefin’s signature appetizer off the half shell. “You ordered these on purpose.”

“I didn’t, I swear, but I'm not regretting it. I told the lady who answered the phone it was a first date, and I wanted to impress your fine ass.”

Eden tilted her head. “You didn’t need to impress me. I’ve been impressed.”

“Heard you.”

“So, you’re going to try it, right?” Eden asked, making another. “I’m telling you, with the bubbly, it’s amazing.”

Maximus curled his lip before giving in to her and those eyes she held. “If it’s nasty, you’ll never talk me into anything else.”

“I doubt it. Open up and trust me.”

“That sounds like some shit a nigga says before ruining someone’s life,” Maximus grumbled, opening his mouth slightly.

Eden leaned in slightly and guided it to his mouth. Slurping it off the shell, he held her eye contact. She stayed silent as his face contorted with the explosion of flavors.

“Damn.”

“It’s good, I told you.” Eden swiped the residual juice from his lips.

“It is,” he groaned, hooking her chin to kiss her. “Damn good. That made it better.”

“Main course is about to come through that door in thirty seconds, please don’t have me giving them a show.”

Nipping her lip, he squeezed her thigh and pulled back. “Let me have another one of those.”

Right on schedule, the staff appeared with another bottle of champagne and the main dish. Chilean Sea Bass with Champagne Beurre Blanc and seared scallops with cauliflower puree and caviar. The table was full, and both looked at each other. Eden, with a wiggle of a laugh appearing on her lips asked, “are we feeding the entire block or?”

Maximus rumbled with laughter and bounced his shoulders. “I figured we might need a midnight snack, and I’m never above leftovers.”

“Mm, look at you making me like you more.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, Eden Sage likes me. Openly admitted it without being sassy about it, too. Look at us getting somewhere where you ain’t frontin’ like you ain’t feeling the boy.”

“Here you go,” Eden huffed, rolling her eyes and waving him off. “I’m not complimenting you anymore. Arrogant ass.”

“Nah, too late. You like that shit, you might as well continue. What else you like?”

Eden tucked her lip while Maximus took the empty plates and set them in front of them. On Eden’s plate was a little bit of everything. After their impromptu nights together, grabbing food and chatting it up, he learned that Eden liked to taste everything. In moderation because she was worried about her contracts and future projects and wanted to maintain her physique. He understood, but he also wanted her to be comfortable and happy.

“I like that you pay attention,” Eden hummed, watching him put just enough on her plate. “Even if it is a little stalkerish. I like that too. That borderline obsession is lowkey sexy.”

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